Episode Guide: Season 4 (2010)

Episode 1 – The Hidden Side of Table RockAir Date: April 4, 2010

Table Rock is one of the most recognizable and most visited landmarks in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The rugged cliffs here would seem to expose most of the nature of this place, but if you’re willing to venture a little farther afield on trails that are less traveled, you’ll find out there is a lot more here meets the eye. Join Patrick as he traverses rock outcrops in search of 10,000 year old Native American petroglyphs, explores one of the world’s most unique wetlands, a cataract fen, and discovers the surprising life hidden in the recesses of the mountain’s craggy rock.

Among the temperate deciduous forests of North America, the pinnacle of beauty and diversity exists right here in the Southern Appalachian coves. Why is it that so many plants and animals are found here? What’s so special about this place? Join Patrick and enjoy an Appalachian spring in the cove forests of Roan Mountain.Episode 3 – Grassy Balds in the Heart of RoanAir Date: April 18, 2010

Few places can inspire a naturalist as much as Roan Mountain. This is one of North America’s greatest and most beautiful natural areas. The crown jewel of this highland is its grassy balds, vast treeless grasslands that are reminiscent of prairies. They shelter many rare and endangered species and connect man to the natural world as poignantly as possible. Yet the balds are one of nature’s greatest riddles. Where did they come from and, maybe more importantly, where are they going? Join Patrick as he explores the grassy balds, the heart of Roan.

Nebraska may not be your first choice for a summer vacation, but if you love wildlife you might want to reconsider. On his first trip here Patrick expected corn, but what he found was a beautiful and diverse sea of grass, canyons, badlands and sandhills, all bursting with life. This is the heart of the Great Plains, the heartland of the continent that is tied to every corner and every life. Join Patrick on an unforgettable voyage of discovery through this immense sea of grass as he explores the ever-changing tapestry of the Great Plains.

Episode 5 – Great Plains II – The Ghosts of The PlainsAir Date: May 2, 2010

Imagine 30 million Bison and 4 billion Prairie Dogs sharing the plains with us. In only a decade these massive herds were all but extinguished. We look back at the actions of the people in the 19th century in disbelief; how could they do that? But did we learn from their mistakes, or are we doomed to repeat them? Prairie Dogs, Black-footed Ferrets and Kit Foxes—these are the stories and species of our time. Join Patrick as he journeys into the prairie with researchers who are trying to change the fate of those that are on the verge of becoming the ghosts of the plains.

Episode 6 - The ACE Basin – A Coastal TreasureAir Date: Oct. 10, 2010

During a time when development reigns supreme in the southeast, few places still exist where wild areas are conserved intact. With over 350,000 acres of protected land, the ACE Basin estuarine system in the South Carolina lowcountry offers one of the best and largest pieces of protected land on the Atlantic coast. A unique management plan involving several different agencies, organizations, and landowners has allowed for this huge protected area, and on today's Expedition we visit with some of the people that are helping preserve not only the land, but the species that depend on it for survival. Join Patrick and guest Matt Johnson as they travel to the seaside habitats along our coastline for a visit in the magnificent ACE Basin.

What happens when large pieces of land are conserved? Amazingly enough, what we find is congregation of some of the rarest plants and animals seen anywhere. Large, intact sections of protected habitat bring common and seldom-seen organisms alike, and many depend on this area for some or all of the year. Long-distance migrants, beautiful songbirds - even the ubiquitous and often less-revered creatures - all need this habitat to survive. We, in turn, are afforded an excellent opportunity to see not only the organisms that we know well, but also those that occur nowhere else in our area. Join Patrick and Matt as they continue to visit the beautiful coastal properties of the ACE Basin.

Episode 8 - Carolina Prairies Air Date: Oct. 24, 2010

Did you know that vast portions of the Carolinas contained prairie-like habitats as recently as two hundred years ago? What did our area look like then, and how has it changed to the way it is now? And maybe most importantly, what can we do to get some of it back? These are the questions explored in this episode, as Patrick travels to remnant prairie habitats in the Carolinas and Oklahoma. Join us as we explore the few prairie landscapes remaining in the southeast and search for the clues that explain why these habitats have all but disappeared.

Episode 9 The Quest for the Ivorybill Air Date: Dec. 26, 2010

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is a legend in the Southern swamps, but for years it was thought to be only that. Recently, however, a small glimmer of hope still remains as evidence has emerged to suggest that the largest woodpecker in North America might sill haunt the floodplain forests of the south. Where might these birds still reside, and what are researchers doing to find them? Join Patrick as he explores the bottomland forests of the southeastern United States in a quest to rediscover the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

Episode 10 - The Rite of Spring Air Date: Feb. 27, 2011

Birds migrate huge distances from wintering grounds. Frogs, each with their own unique voice, call from wetlands. Deer and elk battle with anglers as weapons. What is the point of all of this? Every spring, thousands of species participate in rites - rituals with a single goal in mind: breeding. Join Patrick, along with guests Matt Johnson and Drew Lanham, as they explore the amazing, and often bizarre rituals of many creatures across the continent and right outside your back door.

Please note: This broadcast schedule is subject to change. Check your local listings.